Volunteer Programs in Mexico

Individuals who volunteer in Mexico often find the greatest number of placements along the coast. The cities of Oaxaca, Guadalajara, Merida, and Cuernavaca are also quite popular. Cities along the Pacific Coast, like Tecoman, and along the Yucatan Peninsula, like Playa del Carmen, are common destinations for environmental and conservation projects. Tecoman and Playa del Carmen are known for their beautiful beaches, scuba diving, and surfing. Xel Ha is an aquarium park near Playa del Carmen that is considered the largest aquarium in the world. It’s a great place to snorkel, swim with the dolphins, and cliff dive. In Tecoman, agriculture is an important industry, so limes, coconuts, mangos, and bananas are grown there. 

Oaxaca, located in a valley about 300 miles south of Mexico City, is a city strongly influenced by Mexico's indigenous cultures. Seventeen unique languages are still spoken there today. Just six miles west of the city are ruins from one of the largest MesoAmerican cities of all time, Monte Albán. Popular volunteer projects in Oaxaca include projects in medicine and social work.

Guadalajara, the birthplace of Mariachi, is Mexico’s second largest city. It’s known to have a vibrant music scene and is home to the largest public market in the Western Hemisphere, the Libertad Market. Tlaquepaque, one of Mexico’s most important art centers, is located just outside of Guadalajara and sells different arts and crafts such as pottery. In Guadalajara, common volunteer projects include medicine, education, and social work.